Beer Review: Russell Wee Angry Scotch Ale

Surrey’s Russell Brewing recently won a bronze medal at the 2010 Brewers Association World Beer Cup in Chicago in the Scottish-Style Ale category for this limited edition Brewmaster Series release: A Wee Angry Scotch Ale. A strong dark ale or “wee heavy” with an abv of 6.5%, the beer pours into the glass a rich copper hue, producing a thick tanned head with a dominant sweet malt heavy aroma typical of the style.

A Wee Angry Heavy is a reference to the “shilling category” of 19th century UK, a monetary ratings system for ales determined by quality and alcohol content. Typically, the higher the quality and alcohol of the beer, the higher the shilling cost, with a ‘wee heavy’ being at the top of the scale (the other lower categories being Light, Heavy, and Export respectively).

Made with Canadian two-row, crystal, chocolate, and a touch of peated malt, and lightly hopped with Willamette, this beer has minimal bittering (30 IBU) and delivers a rich, slightly sweet and chewy body with a light alcohol heat mid palate; a complex and savoury flavour ensues leading to a nutty malt finish. Delicious.

Suggested pairings: dark chocolate, mincemeat, shepard’s pie or a sunny patio with the day off.